The Price is Right

Today’s Gospel provides us the martyrdom of St. John the
Baptist. His voice crying out in the desert, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make
straight his paths,” (cf. Mk. 1:3), shows us how he has given way for the
coming of the Messiah.

His death did not go in vain because the price is right. What
do I mean? His death inspires Jesus to persevere more to continue His ministry.
Even though imprisoned, St. John the Baptist, did not hesitate to know and
speak for the Truth. He even sent his disciples to know Jesus more. He was
brave enough to embrace death on account of the Truth. He was humble enough to
accept that He was not the Messiah, but just a precursor.

I am invited to model my vocation journey to John the Baptist
being the precursor. In everything I do, I do it for the glory of God.

In one spiritual book I read, the author introduces John the Baptist as the “Friend of the Bridegroom.” When the bridegroom comes, the friend fades in the background to let the bridegroom shine. His life is a life of humility and love for Truth. In my vocation journey to the priesthood, I am challenged to follow his examples and in the midst of trials, I am asked to anchor my whole life to Jesus, the true giver of salvation.

The Gospel Today

Mark 6: 17 – 29

Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prisonon account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.John had said to Herod,“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”Herodias harbored a grudge against himand wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,and kept him in custody.When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,yet he liked to listen to him.She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,gave a banquet for his courtiers,his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.Herodias’ own daughter came inand performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests.The king said to the girl,“Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”He even swore many things to her,“I will grant you whatever you ask of me,even to half of my kingdom.”She went out and said to her mother,“What shall I ask for?”She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,“I want you to give me at onceon a platter the head of John the Baptist.”The king was deeply distressed,but because of his oaths and the guestshe did not wish to break his word to her.So he promptly dispatched an executioner with ordersto bring back his head.He went off and beheaded him in the prison.He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl.The girl in turn gave it to her mother.When his disciples heard about it,they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.